January 13, 2014

Having been only peripherally aware of the many creatives and great thinkers who explore and encourage selecting a Word of the Year, I hadn't really participated until now, when, in fact the word chose me. It just came to me, like most things do when I settle in and listen for the still small voice.

Rebelle Society writes: "explore the major themes in your life – and set some new ones for your next trip around the sun. Maybe that means reviewing what worked…and what didn’t. Or reflecting on the obstacles you faced, and the odds you beat.

What matters to you? What do you need more of in your life? What do you want to focus on? What habits are you finally ready to break?"

and One Word 365 writes: "There is so much power in saying our words out loud . . . Together, you can inspire and challenge each other to live purposefully all year long."

I've been practicing listening to the still small voice with morning meditation, and it was in a quiet December morning just after meditating that the word

celebrate

whispered in my ear. Knowing the obtacles and heart transforming challenges my family has grown through during the past 5 years, my closest confidants might wonder at this word celebrate. You see, it occurs to me, and I dare say, the still small voice that speaks so lovingly to me, that celebrate is a word that transcends gratitude. And that makes it all the more special to me. For it is when we journey through the Dark Night of the Soul that we come into the light of God's love, God's truth and His beautiful grace. It is this I celebrate -

light

love

truth

grace

and those I get to share it with each day. Much of everything else is icing on the cake (but oh girl, do I love icing on the cake - it's sweet!).

It's a practice learning to “be still, and know” that He is God (Psalm 46:10). How often do you still yourself, your mind, and your thoughts, making room for the still small voice to be heard?

We so easily get caught up in the demands of each day, our deadlines, responsibilities, budgets, or even the trupets of our successes - or, for some, very real health challenges, or failures have come roaring in, knocking you off our feet, it then we have no choice but to take notice . . .in contrast these all can and do drown out God’s still small voice.

Be still, and listen for His still small voice, live with it, let it speak to you, follow where it leads

Practice soul-care, create time to quiet your heart to listen for Him and meditate on His Word so that you may come to know His word, live His word, and share His word. (psst...of all of His words,